Causes of Truck Accidents in Denver

The Denver area, with its busy highways and dynamic weather, presents major challenges for all motorists, whether they live here in the Mile High City or are just driving through. The seasonal weather patterns and mountainous landscapes require commercial truck drivers to operate their vehicles with extra vigilance and caution.

While commercial trucks are vital for Colorado’s economy, accidents involving these massive vehicles can have devastating consequences for other road users. While there are many causes of truck accidents in Denver, most of them by far come down to negligence on someone’s part, whether it’s the truck driver, the truck company, a manufacturer, or a cargo loader. 

Knowing how negligence is tied to most commercial truck crashes may be particularly valuable if you’ve suffered injuries from a truck accident and need legal help.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Denver

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driver error causes about 87% of truck accidents. Of those accidents, 44% are caused by truck drivers. 

All motorists have a responsibility to drive safely, but for commercial truck drivers, that duty is exceptionally important. Catastrophic accidents often result when they fail to operate their commercial motor vehicles safely. Passenger vehicles that weigh about 4,000 pounds on average can’t bear the force of a fully loaded tractor-trailer, looming much larger and weighing about 20 times more. 

When a big, heavy semi truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the occupants of the smaller vehicle are most often the ones who suffer serious injuries or death.

The most common causes of Denver truck accidents are:

Speeding

Speeding is one of the top causes of truck accidents in Denver. Driving over the speed limit on Denver’s steep mountain passes, such as those along Interstate 70, increases the likelihood of losing control, especially when navigating sharp curves. Speeding also contributes to more severe rear-end collisions on heavily congested highways like Interstate 25, where traffic flow frequently slows unexpectedly. Speeding reduces a truck driver’s ability to brake on time and respond to sudden hazards, making crashes more likely and more devastating.

Driving too fast for road conditions

Failing to adjust speed to account for road or weather conditions can lead to deadly crashes. For example, during Denver’s snowy winters or heavy spring rains, driving too fast on slippery roads can lead to jackknife accidents, rollovers, or rear-end crashes. Wet or icy road surfaces demand slower speeds and greater stopping distances, and failure to compensate for these conditions is a common cause of accidents in the Denver area.

Failing to check blind spots

Trucks have extensive blind spots, or “no-zones,” on all sides. When drivers fail to ensure these areas are clear before changing lanes or turning, they risk sideswiping other vehicles or causing severe collisions. This issue becomes even more dangerous during foggy conditions in Denver’s valleys, where visibility is limited.

Disregarding traffic signals

Running red lights or ignoring stop signs can cause devastating crashes, especially in busy Denver intersections such as West Alameda Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive or North Tower Road and East 56th Avenue. Driver distraction, fatigue, or other lapses of attention are some of the reasons truck drivers fail to obey traffic signs and signals. 

Failure to yield

Truck drivers must yield the right-of-way in numerous situations. Failing to do so can result in catastrophic T-bone or side-impact collisions. Yielding errors are particularly risky at Denver’s crowded urban intersections.

Improper passing or turning

Unsafe maneuvers, such as turning too sharply or passing without adequate clearance, can destabilize trucks and lead to rollovers or collisions. 

Tailgating

Following other vehicles too closely is extremely dangerous. Commercial trucks take the length of 1.5 football fields to come to a complete stop. Tailgating in icy or wet conditions, which are common in Denver winters, can lead to devastating rear-end crashes and truck overrides.

Unsafe lane changes

Truck drivers who fail to signal or thoroughly check blind spots before switching lanes can cause catastrophic accidents. This negligence is especially dangerous on Denver’s busy highways, where heavy traffic leaves little room for error. Even a slight miscalculation can lead to multi-vehicle collisions or force other drivers into unsafe maneuvers, escalating the likelihood of a crash.

Driver fatigue

Despite federal hours-of-service regulations intended to prevent drowsy driving, long hours on the road can cause fatigue, which impairs judgments, slows reaction times, and causes drivers to fall asleep at the wheel. Fatigue becomes especially dangerous during Denver’s snow and rain storms when roads become slick and vehicles more difficult to control.

Distracted driving

Using smartphones, adjusting in-cab devices, and eating while driving are some of the actions that take a truck driver’s attention from the road and escalate the risk of a crash. As Denver’s commercial hub, traffic is often dense, and even a momentary lapse of attention can result in severe accidents.

Drunk driving

While rare, instances of truck drivers operating under the influence of alcohol do occur and can have devastating consequences. The FMCSA strictly prohibits drivers from operating a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher—half the legal limit for non-commercial drivers. Alcohol impairs judgment, reaction times, and coordination, making it nearly impossible for truck drivers to navigate Denver’s busy highways or mountain passes safely. Even a single drink can significantly increase the risk of causing a serious accident.

Impaired driving

Both illicit drugs and prescription medications can also contribute to truck accidents when they cause drowsiness, delayed reaction times, or other side effects that affect a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. Although commercial drivers must report any medications they are taking, they don’t always comply, and some drivers may unknowingly take medications that impair their performance. In one recent year, 6% of commercial truck drivers in fatal crashes tested positive for at least one drug. However, that percentage doesn’t account for all truck crashes, and 62% of truck drivers were not tested, according to the FMCSA.  

Poorly planned routes

A truck driver’s failure to account for road weight limits, steep grades, or sharp turns can put trucks and other road users in danger. Proper route planning is essential to prevent accidents.

Trucking Company Negligence

Trucking companies have a significant responsibility to ensure the safety of their drivers and vehicles. However, negligence on the part of trucking companies often leads to preventable accidents. Key areas of concern include:

Unrealistic schedules

Some trucking companies impose tight delivery deadlines that pressure drivers to speed, skip rest breaks, or engage in other unsafe behaviors. According to the FMCSA, driver fatigue and speeding—often tied to unrealistic schedules—are among the leading causes of large truck crashes. 

Poorly screened drivers

Hiring unqualified or poorly vetted drivers drastically increases accident risks. Without thorough background checks or adequate training, drivers may lack the skills to handle Denver’s steep mountain passes, sudden weather changes, or heavy traffic. Common compliance issues include:

• Driving with a suspended or revoked CDL
• Failing to implement mandatory alcohol and drug testing programs
• Skipping random drug and alcohol testing
• Allowing drivers to operate with multiple CDLs

Neglecting driver training

Inadequate training leaves drivers unprepared for the unique challenges of navigating Colorado’s roads in a semi-truck. Proper training should include navigating sharp mountain curves, safely descending steep grades, and driving in poor weather.

Negligent Maintenance 

Neglected truck maintenance can lead to mechanical failures, turning an already dangerous vehicle into a deadly one. Common maintenance issues include:

Brake failures

Faulty or poorly maintained brakes are a leading cause of truck accidents. The FMCSA reports that brake issues are a factor in nearly 30% of large truck crashes. Bad brakes are dangerous under any circumstances, but in Colorado’s mountainous terrain, they become deadly. Roadways like the stunningly beautiful but treacherously steep Million Dollar Highway are no place for commercial trucks operating with dangerously worn brakes.

Tire blowouts

Worn or improperly inflated tires are prone to tire blowouts and tread separations, which can cause truck drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Tire blowouts on narrow mountain roads can cause devastating rollovers or head-on collisions.

Poor truck lighting

Broken or dim headlights, brake lights, or turn signals make it difficult for other drivers to see and predict a truck’s movements. A tractor trailer with poor lighting is especially dangerous in a place like Denver, where heavy spring rain, winter snowstorms, and fog often limit visibility, even with good lighting.

Unsecured or oversized loads

Improperly secured cargo can shift during transport, destabilizing a truck and causing rollovers or spills. Oversized loads are especially dangerous on Denver’s narrow roads and sharp curves, increasing the risk of rollovers and collisions. Low-clearance tunnels, like those in mountain passes, pose additional hazards if the load exceeds height limits, leading to crashes or infrastructure damage.

Types of Truck Accidents and How They Occur

Different types of truck accidents are caused by varying factors, often compounded by negligence. Here are some of the most common types:

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. This type of crash often happens when a driver brakes suddenly on Denver’s slippery roads when rain, snow, or ice accumulate. Excessive speed, poorly maintained brakes, or driver inexperience can all cause a jackknife crash.

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers are among the most devastating types of truck accidents. They frequently occur when a driver takes a curve too fast, fails to secure cargo properly, or loses control on icy or wet roads. Denver’s mountainous terrain increases the risk of rollovers, especially when drivers are unfamiliar with the area.

Rear-End Collisions

Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, rear-end collisions can be particularly severe. They often happen because a truck driver follows too closely or fails to account for the longer stopping distance needed to stop safely on wet or icy roads. When a truck rear-ends a smaller vehicle, it can cause an override. 

Override Accidents

Truck override accidents happen when a large truck runs over a smaller vehicle in front of it. These crashes often occur when the truck driver follows too closely or cannot stop in time due to speeding, driver distraction, or poorly maintained brakes. Override accidents are particularly devastating for the occupants of the smaller vehicle, as the sheer weight and size of the truck can crush the car, leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. 

Underride Accidents

In an underride accident, a smaller vehicle becomes wedged beneath a truck’s trailer. These crashes are often fatal for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. Contributing factors include sudden stops, poor visibility, and defective underride guards. Large commercial trucks are required to have rear underride guards, but sometimes these barriers aren’t strong enough to prevent an underride. 

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have extensive blind spots on all sides, known as “no-zones.” Accidents occur when truck drivers fail to check these areas before changing lanes or turning. The risk of blind spot accidents is heightened in Denver’s dense traffic.

Denver’s Seasonal Changes and Their Impact on Truck Accidents

While the weather isn’t the root cause of most accidents, Denver’s seasonal conditions can heighten risks when drivers fail to adapt their driving to their environment. Local weather challenges play a role in Denver truck accidents in many ways.

Winter Weather: Snow and Ice

Denver winters are notorious for snowstorms and icy roads. These conditions demand lower speeds, greater stopping distances, and increased vigilance. Unfortunately, not all truck drivers adjust their behavior, leading to accidents like jackknifes, rollovers, and rear-end collisions.

Winter and Spring: Fog and Reduced Visibility

Fog is common in Colorado’s valleys and mountainous areas, especially from November to June. Truck drivers must make sure their headlights, brake lights, and signals are working. They must also slow down to navigate roads with limited visibility safely. Failure to do so increases the likelihood of multi-vehicle pileups.

Spring and Summer: Heavy Rain

Spring and summer often bring sudden downpours that create slick road surfaces. Hydroplaning becomes a concern, particularly for trucks traveling too fast or with worn tires. Truckers must make sure their tires are in good condition with treads that can handle wet highways.

Summer and Fall: Wildfire Smog

During the dryer months, which typically run from June through October, wildfires may break out and create a hazy, smoggy air quality in certain areas near heavily forested areas and downwind of them. Smog can reduce visibility on highways, impairing drivers’ ability to identify hazards and respond in time. 

Truck Accident Statistics in Colorado

According to truckinfo.net, Colorado reported 1,946 truck accidents, resulting in 85 fatalities and 451 injuries in one recent year. The majority of these truck wrecks occurred in urban areas, particularly along heavily trafficked highways like I-25 and I-70, which are major corridors for commercial transportation. Denver, as Colorado’s central hub, saw a higher concentration of these crashes due to its dense traffic and freight activity.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), commercial trucks accounted for 8.4% of all fatal collisions in Colorado in the same year. Over the past decade, the number of truck accidents in the state has increased by 33%, reflecting a troubling upward trend.

Call Fuicelli & Lee for Help with Your Denver Truck Accident Case

Truck accidents represent a fraction of the total traffic accidents that happen every year, but they are disproportionately more deadly. Motorists who survive a serious truck accident in Denver are often left with devastating injuries that affect their families and every part of their lives. 

If a negligent truck driver or other related party injured you or a loved one, you have a right to pursue compensation for all of your damages and losses. There is no excuse for a truck driver or truck company to fail in their legal obligation to operate on our roads and highways safely.

Call Fuicelli & Lee today at (303) 444-4444 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Denver truck accident lawyer who truly cares about your recovery and is ready to fight for your full, fair, and complete compensation. You can also contact us through our convenient online form.